Safety tips for crushing, hydraulic breaking

In the aggregate, construction, mining and demolition industries, the forces of crushing and hydraulic breaking drive progress by molding landscapes and extracting resources essential for our modern lives.

Here are several safety measures to help safeguard workers and equipment during crushing and hydraulic breaking operations:

1. Training & education

All personnel involved in these operations – including operators, maintenance staff and supervisors – should undergo thorough training programs before working with equipment. They need to understand equipment functions, potential hazards, emergency procedures and safe operating practices.

Regular refresher courses should be conducted to ensure employees stay updated with the latest safety protocols.

2. Equipment inspection & maintenance

Establish a checklist and perform inspections to identify any signs of wear, damage or potential failures before every shift. Malfunctioning or damaged equipment should be immediately taken out of service for repairs, and only trained personnel should carry out maintenance tasks.

3. Personal protective equipment

Appropriate personal protective equipment is essential to protect workers from potential hazards during operations. This includes, but is not limited to, hard hats, eye protection, ear protection, high-visibility clothing, steel-toed boots and gloves.

4. Site evaluation & planning

Before commencing any operation, a comprehensive site evaluation should be conducted. This evaluation should identify potential hazards, such as unstable structures, utility lines and other nearby obstacles.

A well-developed plan should outline safe work zones, equipment positioning, emergency exit routes and more.

5. Communication protocols

Clear communication channels should be established between operators, signalers and other on-site personnel. Hand signals, two-way radios and visual indicators can enhance communication efficiency and reduce the risk of misunderstandings that could lead to accidents.

6. Emergency response plans

Every worksite should have well-defined emergency response plans in place.

This includes procedures for dealing with equipment failures, power outages, medical emergencies and unexpected structural collapses. All workers should be trained on these procedures and be aware of the location of emergency equipment.

7. Worksite signage & warning systems

Adequate measures to designate the worksite and warn unauthorized personnel about ongoing operations are crucial. Fencing, barricades and signage should be employed to prevent access to working areas.

8. Environmental considerations

Beyond personnel safety, the environmental impact of crushing and hydraulic breaking operations should also be addressed. Proper dust suppression measures should be in place to mitigate the release of particles into the air, and noise levels should be kept down in densely-populated areas.

Final thoughts

Foster a culture of safety by adhering to strict safety protocols, providing comprehensive training, conducting regular equipment inspections and having effective communication and emergency response plans to help mitigate risks. With a proactive and vigilant approach, producers can ensure that their operations are carried out efficiently and safely.

Dave McCracken is group technical sales director at Astec Industries.

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